**UPDATE**
Congratulations to the winners of the birthday drawing! Your names are posted below. Watch your inbox for an email from Living Proof later today so that we can get you your gift!
BONUS: The wonderful people at AMG Publishers have extended a 50% discount to any of you who would like to order a Key Word Study Bible! Click here to get more information, or to order your Bible. AMG Publishers
Winners:
#523 – Carole Germain #4348 – Karen Quinn
#2282 – Merissa G. #4399 – Anna Bunch
#2321 – Marilyn Riley #4430 – Nancy Beeey
#2756 – Merissa Ury #4813 – Myrlene Darnell
#2876 – Beth Longar #5648 – Nan Smith
#3937 – Dani Turner #5798 – Rachel C.
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A few nights ago I walked my buck wild new puppy around my neighborhood, watched the sun sink deep down into the horizon, and then settled in back at home. I flipped on my favorite season of the West Wing and I ate an entire bag of tortilla chips and ¾ a jar of my favorite salsa for dinner. What is it they say again? The apple does not fall far from the tree. Or something like that?
You see when we were growing up Mom would throw us kids in the back of Brontosaurus the station wagon and haul us halfway across the city to her old favorite Tex-Mex joint. She ordered a pint of salsa and a gigantic grease-stained brown paper bag of tortilla chips for take-out and she would eat all of this and only this for her dinner. Her own dinner. I can’t remember what we kids even ate, or if she fed us at all. I’m only kidding about that last part.
My mom was born at high noon in a fierce thunderstorm, my grandfather said. Her presence still shifts the atmosphere. A few weeks ago Mom left for a week in the hill country for a time of writing and solitude. The second she got back home, I loaded up my stuff and headed out to spend a night with she and my Dad. You see, for me, going to hang out with my parents isn’t really like going to hang out with the parents. Far from duty, it’s one of my favorite things to do. We caught up on all the life stuff that night. And then in the morning we drank our coffee in our pajamas and by 8:30 a.m. at the latest we had already covered topics such as the theology in Ephesians, the New Testament canon, the Holy Spirit’s role in the interpretation of Scripture, and the Festal Letter of Athanasius.
I have to say, this woman utterly dazzles me. She is the sweetest in the land. She is gracious and sanguine and loving and kind, no doubt, but she is serious and intense and focused and courageous. She has opinions and perspective and boldness and wisdom from the ground like no other. For all her awesomeness she is not self-righteous or squeamish, and God knows I have pushed her limits.
Mom is deeply committed to our family and I’ve always known that full well but I’ve also seen that she’s preoccupied with something a whole lot bigger than us. Probably the most important thing I have learned from her is that being caught up in Jesus and what He is doing in the world is everything. It is the ultimate priority and a family committed to His work in the world will get the privilege of making sacrifices together.
Over the past few years in my own journey I found myself in an unknown place, a place where a heart could break deeper and wider and in more directions than I could have imagined possible. Mom has walked alongside me on this road further than any human could be expected to walk with another. She would have had good reasons to just sit out a while and catch her breath. But she never left my side. The road has been bumpy but also tedious and repetitive. When the landscape didn’t seem to change for a long, long time, she kept plodding along with me, carrying my burdens and helping me shoulder the grief that felt too much to bear.
Mom is tender and she is strong and she is not afraid to look pain and grief and loss dead in the eye. Even more, she is daring enough to hope against hope. To see in others, even me, the beginnings of life and growth and health and wholeness where others might only see brokenness and death. She has shined the light of Jesus on me more times than I can count.
She can fry a chicken and whip up mashed potatoes and gravy with the best of the Southern cooks. Her pleasures are simple: the reading of books, sitting on the front porch, walking her dogs in the woods, eating dinner with my Dad, playing games on the floor with her grandkids, and drinking tea with Amanda and me. But make no mistake she is wicked smart and complex and multifaceted. She is so much more than even the best caricature of her could ever hope to be.
I love her.
Yes, I love her. If one photo could capture the light and color she brings to my world, this is it:
It is my joy and honor to be her daughter and also to work for her at Living Proof. This blog giveaway is just one of many ways I celebrate her beautiful life today. The first three gifts are from Living Proof and the last two gifts are personal gifts from me.
First and foremost, we are giving away eight Key Word Study Bibles. My mom gave me one of these Bibles many years ago. It was one of the first Bibles I ever really remember being excited about. It helped me become familiar with various Greek and Hebrew words before I ever took a Greek or Hebrew reading class. Every time I read it I was reminded that the Scriptures we hold in our hands in English are a translation. Remembering this often is a good thing and will take a person a long way in the study of the Bible, I think.
![IMG_2993[4]](https://blog.lproof.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_29934.jpg)
Second, we are giving away an assortment of several pounds of favorite Houston coffee beans. My mom is a serious coffee drinker, so this is just an obvious addition. This package will include but not be limited to one of my current favorites:
Third, we are giving away an arrangement of fresh flowers Mom loves. And, really, who wouldn’t like these?
Fourth, we are giving away a crossbody saddlebag. Mom and I both carry versions of this crossbody bag over and over again until one breaks and we have to buy another one.
Fifth and finally, we are giving away a small bottle of Flowerbomb. Mom wears lots of different perfumes, but she most often travels with this one.
So, if you’re interested in our giveaway please do pop on and say “Happy Birthday” and show Mom some love. Your comment becomes your entry into our random drawing. Comments will officially close 24 hours after the post is published, and please only one comment per person. The names of our winners will be posted at the top of this post at some point on Thursday.
I hope you all are happy and well.
And, Mom, I love you!
The best is yet to come,
Melissa
HaPPy BirTHday child of God, sister in Christ and saint forevermore!
(How fitting Beth that your last name is Moore.)
The joy you have inside pours out on the world wherever He plants you
Your family shares you with us who are far away that is true
Praising that God knows us – the where and the who
I have “done” many Bible studies for 20 plus years
Many fade away but yours bring reasoning, smiles and tears
Your eleven (I try to count) studies on my heart remain
Believing God, Esther, Daniel, To Live is Christ, David, James
A Woman’s Heart, Breaking Free, Stepping Up, Beyond Yourself
Rarely do any of them disppear on my shelf
God leads me back to something to read or words to say
The latest workbook on my side table: Children of the Day
Thank you Beth for hearing God’s call to serve
A beautiful birthday to you – yes! you deserve
Salsa and chips and breezing days and colorful flowers
Be filled with His love today and every given hour.
With love from me …my mind and soul and ❤️
When is your next study? I am ready to start!
What a wonderful tribute to your mother!! She is one of the most loved women I have come across.
Happy Birthday, Ms. Beth!!! I pray you have a wonderful birthday!
Bon Anniversaire and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Beth!
Look at all of these greetings, Sister loved by God, from women who have learned from and been strengthened by your heart for Jesus! THANK YOU for encouraging us to dig deeper into the Word. That being said — I need that Greek/Hebrew Bible! Ha ha!! 🙂 My love for verse-mapping began out of the #ChildrenoftheDay study where Beth talked about sitting at the dining table, all day, with research books all around her. I thought – “I need to do that!” That inspired me to get knee-deep in the scriptures, and I am SO grateful. So happy birthday, sister, and may your day overflow with His blessings.
Birthday Blessing Beth. Thank you for faithfully sharing your anointing with the rest of us.
And thank you for ‘Believing God’ 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth! May God bless you today
as much as you bless others each and every day.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I can’t wait to go to your next Bible
Study at our Church this fall. We did Children of the Day and Esther, this past year. Loved both!
Happiest of birthdays to someone who has helped shaped who I am spiritually! From early on bible studies to joining the SSMT from the very start I am deeply grateful for your role in my life!
Happy Birthday Beth. Your books have changed my life. Especially your book when Godly people do ungodly things. Keep writing! You are an amazing teacher to the body of Christ. I love you and enjoy your day.
Happy birthday to the one who has made a huge spiritual influence on my life in her writing and teaching.
Happy Birthday, Beth! It was so much fun to get to sing Happy Birthday to you in person at Living Proof Live in Tampa! I was so encouraged and convicted at the conference – thank you for being such a tireless servant of the Most High! You are such a blessing to me, and I love you as a dear sister in Christ Jesus!
Happiest Birthday to you, Miss Beth! Thanks for your faithfulness all these years! 🙂
Happy Birthday!!! Thank you so much for sharing your love of Jesus with the world!!! Your studies have helped me grow in my devotion to Jesus and I am eternally grateful!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are dearly loved 🙂
ive been a fan of yours for 14 years — from the time I was born again. I love your studies, I love your intimacy with the Lord and with us, I love your encouraging spirit. By the way, I also love your hair and your sense of humor. Hahaha! I hope your birthday was filled with the Lord and your loved ones showering you with blessings, the way you bless all of us! Happy day!
Cindy Z
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
It is with great admiration and gratitude that I wish Beth a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What a precious tribute to your mom! Thank you for sharing your heart…and your mom!
Happiest of birthday’s Beth. Your book When Godly People Do Ungodly Things was written for me. Never enough words to say thank you for being inspired by the Holy Spirit to write that book. Blessings to you and your family as they celebrate YOU!
Happy Birthday Beth! Wow I love you sister! You are a big part of why I am in women’s ministry! God bless you!
The blessings I have received as a result of your teachings cannot be tallied. Just know that you are appreciated and loved for your vibrant personality, the sacrifices you make of yourself and your family over the years to speak and write, and last but not least, your gift from God that you use so abundantly. May God continue to hold you in his hand. Love and prayers Trudy Hamilton.
Happy Birthday to the bravest Bible Study writer, …..You are not afraid to be who you are in Christ! I learn from you!
Have a wonderful year!~
Chereyl Osborne
Happy Birthday to you!!
Wishing you a happy and blessed birthday! I hope your day is wonderful!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! Thank you for your unending service to our Lord and to us! You have allowed the Lord to use you to open the eyes of so many! ❤️ To you on your special day!
Happy Birthday Beth! I just had the honor of spending time under your teaching in Tampa this past weekend. What a blessing and inspiration to are to so many!
Happy Birthday, have a fun filled blessed day & eat a piece of texas sheet cake for me. Do something special today that you will remember forever. You know like bungy jumping, rock climbing, zipline through the woods or less exhilarating like plant & name a special flowering plant. Maybe one that can only be bought in Hawaii & you would have to go there & pick it out yourself. Then you could enjoy the sand & water between your toes & a moonlit walk on the beach.
Happy Birthday, dear bible study leader.
My group thanks God for your wisdom and brilliant
Insight into His Word. May you have many productive
Years ahead to keep teaching is about Jesus.
☀️
God’s blessings to your family.
Ann Lindemann
St Louis, MO
Happy birthday Miss Beth!!!! You inspire me as a mama, and a Jesus girl. Love your hair, love your humor, love your heart for our Jesus.
Happy birthday Beth. Many blessings to you
Wishing Beth a very Blessed Happy Birthday
I was very Blessed to attend many of her bible studies in Houston after moving here in 2006 & sitting at door getting to talk to her briefly as she went in to pray. And in doing that God a Bless me with some long term friends that we stay connected on Facebook & occasionally in person when can in Houston.
May God continue to Bless you, your family, your ministry.
Have a Bless Birthday
Cyndi Clemmons
WATDL (waiting at the door ladies)
Happy Birthday to one of the most dedicated, knowledgeable of the faith that I know. May God bless you today and may you have a wonderful day.
Happiest of Birthday Mrs. Beth!
Happy and blessed wishes to you on your birthday. You have taught me to lean on and trust in God. I’m inspired by your love for all women. May the blessings of our Lord forever shine favorably upon you and your family for all that you do for us. I’m so blessed to be able to learn along with you. Big birthday hugs to you!!!
Happy Happy Birthday, and God Bless you mightily.
Happy Birthday Beth and may the Lord bless you richly on this special day of celebration. A few years ago, I joined a Friday morning ladies Bible study group and it has become one of if not the most important things in my life. We have so many of your studies I don’t think I could name them all and we now call each other “sister loved by God”. We have studied books I thought I knew and gained amazing new insights. Thank you so much for sharing your love of Christ with us. You are a blessing to so many.
What a lovely tribute!
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are incredible! I have enjoyed your Bible studies so much…you’re an inspiration to all women. We love you in SC.
Happy Birthday Beth! I hope you have a wonderful day! Thank you for all you do!
Happy Birthday Beth
Happy Birthday, Beth. I feel like we are friends. Your Bible studies have brought me through some very dark times and I would love to sit and chat with you, I feel like we would be “old friends”. I aspire to have your Biblical knowledge and especially your love for God’s word. Thank you for all you have personally done for me through the study of God’s word. I hope Keith and the girls do something very special for your special day. Much love
Jo Cox
My life has been changed by your bible studies. So very glad God made you to dwell on this planet in such a time as this. Happy Birthday! (My Grandaughter is named Layla ESTHER because my daughter was doing your Esther bible study when she was born and was so blessed by it.
happy birthday blessings Beth! You are such an inspiration to me and so many others!
Sweetest Beth,
My goodness you are like a true sister to so many people! Thank you for your obedience and deep love for the Lord…through those you have shown true love to us and LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Jesus has been really teaching me that this past year. ..so i thank you for carrying His love and light in you so that we may clearly see Him! I wish you the most blessed birthday and year ahead.
Much love, joy and peace to you always!
Lina
Happy Birthday Beth! May this next year bring you many blessings! Thanking God for your life today!
Beth,
You spoke at a ladies retreat our church hosted 25+ years ago when we were young moms. What a great memory that is. I remain blessed by you and your Godly insight.
Happy Birthday, and be blessed.
Faithful in Fredericksburg, Tx.
Happy Birthday Beth!! I am sending warm wishes from Lagos, Nigeria. I have attended several Deeper Still and LivingProof Live events and have come away blessed and refreshed. I cherish memories from an north Atlanta Living Proof event back 2 years ago. I took my mother and sister for their birthdays (both in June). These memories of faith and family encourage me as I serve overseas.
Happy Birthday Beth! I feel like I know you and your family and your dogs (which are family). Thank you for continuing to run your race well and taking us along for the ride!!
Happy Birthday Beth, you have helped me grow spiritually and deepened my love for the living word of God. Thank you. Sheila
Happy Happy birthday to my favorite Bible teacher in the whole world!! God bless you and keep filling you with His fire and spunk!! 🙂
Oh my heavens…where do I even begin?!?! Well, let me begin by wishing you an extremely blessed and awesome Happy Birthday Miss Beth…I hope your day is as special as you are!!! There are not enough words to tell you how much your teachings of God’s Holy Word and your encouragement along with your “cheering us on” every step of our journeys have meant to me. My life has forever been changed by studying the Scriptures alongside of you…I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to meet you in person once we reach heaven!!! I want to give you a big Tennessee hug and applause you for being such a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have so much in common including being so in LOVE with our precious Savior. I will be cheering you on my dear Sister-in-Christ every step of the way!!!!!!! Happy Birthday and much, much love to you sweet Gal!!!!!!! 😀